Bly seeks state office of indigenous language (fwd)

[phil cash cash]

Bly seeks state office of indigenous language

Submitted by sfiecke on March 12, 2007 - 12:51pm.
Filed under: General News
http://www.shakopeenews.com/node/1710

State Rep. David Bly, DFL-Northfield, is seeking support for a bill that
would create an state office of indigenous language.

The state would collaborate with Native Americans to ensure the survival
of unique cultures and language.

Bly's bill, House File 779, was scheduled to receive a look during a
Minnesota House of Representatives E-12 Education Committee hearing
last week. If the bill eventually passes into law, money would be
appropriated and the office would be established.

A bill would establish a Council on Indegenious Language, which would
consist of tribal officials, including a representative from the
Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community.

According to the legislation,  one-third of indigenous tongues have
disappeared since the coming of Columbus. Of those that survive, nine
out of ten are no longer spoken
by children.

To read the full text of the bill as it was introduced, go to
http://www.revisor.leg.state.mn.us/bin/bldbill.php?bill=H0779.0.html&session=ls85.

Bly represents House District 25B, which includes Helena Township.